…Shoga pledges wider engagement ahead of 2027
…Says Abuja–Kaduna highway section offers fresh opportunities for North-West economy
The City Boy Movement (CBM) has described the massive turnout of young Nigerians at Saturday’s All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna as evidence of growing youth support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and an affirmation of its grassroots mobilisation efforts.
The movement’s Director-General, Hon. Francis Oluwatosin Shoga, said the participation reflected young people’s interest in the administration’s development agenda and their determination to help shape Nigeria’s political and economic future.
In a reflection titled “Beyond the Road: Unlocking Opportunities, Empowering Young Nigerians, and Building a Prosperous Future,” Shoga linked the enthusiasm in Kaduna to sustained community engagement, including CBM’s mobilisation activities and a street walk in Kano.
“The City Boy Movement was proudly on the ground, engaging with young Nigerians and grassroots supporters who came out to demonstrate their commitment to the future of our country.
“The enthusiasm witnessed in Kaduna, alongside our grassroots engagement and street walk in Kano, reinforces our conviction that young Nigerians want to be part of a national conversation about development, opportunity, and a more prosperous Nigeria,” he said.
He said the movement would expand its grassroots engagements nationwide ahead of the 2027 general election, explaining the administration’s reforms and encouraging informed, peaceful participation in the democratic process.
He stressed that CBM’s mission extended beyond securing electoral support for Tinubu to helping young Nigerians understand government policies, acquire relevant skills and access emerging economic opportunities.
The CBM director-general also welcomed the commissioning of an 81-kilometre section of the Abuja–Kaduna highway during the campaign flag-off, describing it as an investment capable of stimulating economic activities across the North-West.
He said the corridor linking Abuja, Kaduna, Zaria and Kano could support agricultural production, industrial expansion, regional trade and employment generation.
According to him, improved connectivity would help farmers reach markets, ease traders’ transportation challenges, and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs in logistics, manufacturing, food processing and related businesses.
“The objective is not simply to build infrastructure. It is to create the conditions in which people can build businesses, earn sustainable incomes, create jobs, and improve their standard of living,” he said.
He said that roads alone would not unlock the region’s full economic potential, stressing the need for sustained security operations, effective intelligence gathering, reliable electricity and investment-friendly policies.
“A good road connects destinations. A secure road connects people to opportunity. Together, infrastructure and security can help unlock the economic potential of an entire region,” he said.
He commended supporters who joined the Kaduna rally and Kano mobilisation activities, calling their enthusiasm encouragement for the movement’s nationwide engagements.
He urged young Nigerians to assess the administration’s achievements and challenges, embrace entrepreneurship and make informed political choices.
“Our message is simple: Do not sit on the sidelines while decisions that will shape your future are being made. Get informed, get involved, and make your voice count,” he said.
He reaffirmed CBM’s commitment to raising informed, enterprising and responsible young Nigerians, adding that the success of infrastructure investments should ultimately be measured by the jobs, businesses and improved livelihoods they deliver.
